As Qatar’s financial sector continues attracting regional and global interest, Commercial Bank Financial Services LLC (CBFS) stands out as a driving force in the country’s capital market development. A fully licensed brokerage house and a 100% owned subsidiary of Commercial Bank, CBFS offers a full-fledged suite of services including stock execution, market making, asset management, and a recently introduced research unit.
International Finance recently spoke with Shahnawaz Rashid, Chairman of the CBFS Board, Executive General Manager, and Head of Retail Banking at Commercial Bank.
In the conversation, Shahnawaz Rashid highlighted CBFS’s top priority: advancing Qatar’s financial landscape and shared how the institution is actively working toward that goal. He also offered insights into CB Waseet, one of Qatar’s leading trading apps.
CBFS operates across several key functions. How would you describe your core mission?
Advancing Qatar’s financial landscape is a top priority at CBFS. We have geared all our efforts to drive the sector forward by empowering investors and supporting their growth. In light of our mission, we have introduced world-class solutions that range from stock execution and asset management to market intelligence. We strive to remain at the forefront of the financial services industry, and we have the scalability, resources, and foresight to introduce state-of-the-art solutions in the market.
Market making is not a widely understood concept in the region. Can you explain your role in that space?
Market making involves continuously providing buy-and-sell prices for selected listed stocks to enhance liquidity and price efficiency. CBFS is among the licensed market makers, and we work closely with the Qatar Stock Exchange. Our role is to instil investor confidence and ensure tighter spreads, as they are essential in a healthy, active market.
How do you support retail and institutional investors in their investment journey?
We offer a suite of tailored financial solutions to retail and institutional investors. For retail clients, our mobile trading platform, CB Waseet, offers user-friendly access to live market data, fast order execution, and real-time portfolio tracking. As for our institutional clients, we provide a high-touch service, research-driven insights, and block trading capabilities. Our solutions have been designed to facilitate everyday life while enabling our customers to achieve their goals.
Speaking of CB Waseet, what makes it one of Qatar’s top trading apps?
When designing CB Waseet, our top priority was to create a user-friendly and reliable experience, and that’s exactly what we delivered. The app successfully bridges convenience with functionality while offering advanced features like technical analysis tools, multilingual support, and instant notifications. This creates a secure and responsive space for modern investors. CB Waseet is a gateway for seamless trading experiences.
How will your recently introduced research division add value for investors?
Staying relevant nowadays takes a village. Staying on track with the evolving landscape and growing needs of investors is necessary if you want to be at the forefront. At CBFS, we continuously ask ourselves: What kind of support do investors need? How can we integrate advanced tools to elevate their trading experiences? How can we empower them to achieve their goals? We conduct research around these questions, and through the insights we get, we deliver exceptional services that enable clients to make well-informed and confident decisions. Our added value for investors is transparency, financial knowledge, and round-the-clock support.
What’s ahead for CBFS in the coming years?
Our plans include expanding our digital services, introducing more innovative investment products, and further positioning CBFS as a key player in market development. As Qatar’s capital markets mature, we will continue to drive growth and innovation. For investors navigating the evolving landscape, CBFS is more than just a brokerage – it’s a long-term financial partner with a relentless commitment to market integrity and innovative solutions. With a solid reputation and trusted expertise, CBFS remains fundamental in Qatar’s financial ecosystem.